Polymer Composition and Molded Articles Produced Therefrom

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article comprising said polymer composition. Said molded article may be used packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/204,108, filed Nov. 26, 2002, which is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 applicationof and claims priority to International Application No. PCT/EP01/00132filed Jan. 8, 2001, which claims priority to German Application No. 10007 794.3 filed Feb. 21, 2000. This application claims the priority ofeach of these applications, and fully incorporates the subject matterthereof.

INTRODUCTION

The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a biologicallydegradable polymer, as well as to the use thereof of the production of amolded article, the molded article produced from said polymercomposition, a method for the production thereof and the use thereof,and to an article of clothing comprising the molded article in form offibers.

Polymer compositions with different additives for the production ofmolded articles are known.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,746 describes a nonwoven fabric made of cellulosefibers, which comprise a flame-resistant phosphoric component.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,007 describes modified rayon fibers, with amodifying agent for improving the dyeing properties of the fibers.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,702 discloses melt-spun, cold-drawn fibers from asynthetic organic polymer with additives. Said additives may bereceptors, flame-resistant rendering agents, antistatic agents,stabilizers, mildew inhibitors or antioxidants.

“Lenzinger Berichte”, 76/97, page 126 moreover discloses a lyocell fiberspun from a cellulose solution in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide(hereinafter called “NMMNO”), into which may be incorporated 0.5 to 5weight-%, relative to the cellulose weight, of cross-linking agents forimproving the wet abrasion value. It is additionally described toincorporate lyocell fibers, carboxymethylchitin, carboxymethylchitosanor polyethylene imine for improving the fungicidal properties,polyethylene imine for the adsorption of metal ions and dyes, hyaluronicacid for improving the bactericidal properties, xanthene, guar, carubin,bassorin or starch for improving hydrophilicity, water adsorption andwater vapor permeability, or starch for the accelerated enzymatichydrolysis.

WO 98/58015 describes a composition containing fine particles of solidmatter for the addition to a formable solution of cellulose in anaqueous tertiary amine oxide. The composition is made of solidparticles, tertiary amine oxide, water and at least another substance.Said other substance may be a stabilizer or a dispersing agent. Thesolid particles may be pigments.

Furthermore, it is known that high concentrations of iron andtransitional metals influence the stability of a spinning mass ofcellulose, NMMNO and water. High iron concentrations decrease thedisintegration temperature of the solution to such an extent thatexplosion-like disintegration reactions of the solution may occur. Thedisintegration and stabilization of cellulose solved in NMMNO isdescribed in “Das Papier”, F. A. Buitenhuijs 40. year, volume 12, 1986,which also mentions the influence of iron—Fe(III) on said cellulosesolutions. With an addition of 500 ppm of Fe(III) more than 40% of theNMMNO were transformed into the disintegration productN-methylmorpholine (“NMM”), whereby the addition of Cu⁺² also reducesthe stability of the solution. With the addition of copper to an NMMOcellulose solution free of copper the disintegration temperature (Tonset ° C.) was reduced from 175° C. to 114° C. in the presence of 900mg copper/kg of the mass. Moreover described is the positive effect ofstabilizers such as propyl gallate and ellagic acid.

The addition of additives to fibers moreover causes difficulties inpreserving the properties of the fibers such as mechanical stabilities,fiber elongations, loop strength, abrasion resistance, dye receptivity.

JP 1228916 describes a film made of two layers of woven material ornonwoven fabric, between which fine flakes of algae material such asRhodophyceae are filled by means of adhesives or by hot welding. Thus, afilm is obtained which, when used, improves the health.

Said film has, however, the disadvantage that the finely grounded(comminuted) algae material is present in hollow spaces between said twolayers, so that the algae material escapes when the film is torn and isseparated from the environment by the layers.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,421,583 and 4,562,110 describe a method, wherein fibermaterial is produced from alginate. For this purpose, alginate isobtained from the sea plants by means of an extraction method, and theso obtained soluble alginate is directly spun to form fibers.

DE 19544097 describes a method of producing molded articles frompolysaccharide mixtures by dissolving cellulose and a secondpolysaccharide in an organic polysaccharide solvent mixable with water,which may likewise contain a second solvent, by molding the solutionunder pressure through a nozzle to form molded articles and bysolidifying the molded articles by means of coagulation in a coagulatingbath. Apart from cellulose, hexoses with glycosidic 1,4 and 1,6 linkage,uronic acids and starch, especially pull ulan, carubin, buaran,hyaluronic acid, pectin, algin, carrageenan or xanthene are mentionedtherein as second polysaccharides. Moreover, it is described that, apartfrom a second polysaccharide, also a third polysaccharide, preferablychitin, chitosan or, respectively, a corresponding derivative may beused. The molded articles obtained according to this method are used asmeans for binding water and/or heavy metals, as fiber havingbactericidal and/or fungicidal properties or as yarn with an increaseddegradation velocity in the stomach of ruminants.

The use of nucleation agents in the production of molded articles fromthermoplastic high polymers, especially α-olefinic polymers is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,926. As nucleation agents amino acids, the saltsthereof and proteins are, inter alia, mentioned.

For reducing the fibrillation tendency in cellulosic molded articles itis known to apply defibrillation agents on the freshly spun or driedfiber in a subsequent treatment step. All previously knowndefibrillation agents are cross-linking agents.

According to EP-A-O 538 977 cellulose fibers are treated in an alkalinemedium with a chemical reagent comprising 2 to 6 functional groupscapable of reacting with cellulose, in order to reduce the fibrillationtendency.

Another method for the reduction of the fibrillation tendency ofcellulosic molded articles by means of a textile auxiliary agent isdescribed in WO 99/19555. So far a solution for reducing thefibrillation of the cellulose fibers during the spinning process has notas yet been found.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of a typical particle sizedistribution of material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animalsthat has been disintegrated by means of jet mills with static orrotating internal or external classifiers.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation showing the stability of a spinningsolution with 8.5% Laminaria digitata over thermal disintegration up toapproximately 200° C.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation showing the stability of a spinningsolution with 1% Laminaria digitata, related to the cellulose content,up to a temperature of approximately 200° C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide apolymer composition containing an additive, with a good stability andprocessability, as well as a molded article produced therefrom having asmall fibrillation tendency, and a method for the production thereof.

This object is solved by a polymer composition comprising a biologicallydegradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of seaanimals, by a molded article produced therefrom as well as by a methodfor the production thereof according to claims 1 to 6 and 12 to 25.

The object is additionally solved by a polymer composition comprising abiologically degradable polymer and at least two components selectedfrom the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof,proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions, by a molded articleproduced therefrom and by a method for the production thereof accordingto claims 7 to 25.

The biologically degradable polymer is preferably selected from thegroup consisting of cellulose, modified cellulose, latex, vegetable oranimal protein, especially cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Polyamides,polyurethanes and mixtures thereof may likewise be used, as far as theyare biologically degradable. The polymer composition according to theinvention and the molded article produced therefrom preferably containno polymers which are not biologically non-degradable, or mixturesthereof.

The polymer compositions according to the invention may also containpolymers which are not biologically degradable. Certain polymer solventssuch as DMAc, DMSO or DMF etc. can also solve synthetic polymers such asaromatic polyamides (aramides), polyacrylonitrile (PACN) or polyvinylalcohols (PVA), which, again, may be combined to form polymercompositions in combination with known cellulose solvents such asLiCl/DMAc, DMSO/PF, tertiary amine oxides/water.

Examples for modified cellulose include carboxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, nitrate cellulose, copper cellulose, viscose xanthogenate,cellulose carbamate and cellulose acetate. Examples for fibers frompolycondensation and polymerization products are polyamides substitutedwith methyl, hydroxy or benzyl groups. Examples for polyurethanes arethose formed on the basis of polyesterpolyolen.

The sea plant material is preferably selected from the group consistingof algae, kelp and seaweed, especially algae. Examples for algae includebrown algae, green algae, red algae, blue algae or mixtures thereof.Examples for brown algae are Ascophyllum spp., Ascophyllum nodosum,Alaria esculenta, Fucus serratus, Fucus spiralis, Fucus vesiculosus,Laminaria saccharina, Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata,Laminaria echroleuca and mixtures thereof. Examples for red algaeinclude Asparagopsis armata, Chondrus cripus, Maerl beaches, Mastocarpusstellatus, Palmaria palmata and mixtures thereof. Examples for greenalgae are Enteromorpha compressa, Ulva rigida and mixtures thereof,Examples for blue algae are Dermocarpa, Nostoc, Hapalosiphon,Hormogoneae, Porchlorone. A classification of algae can be inferred fromthe Botanic Textbook for Colleges [Lehrbuch der Botanik für Hochschulen]E. Strasburger; F. Noll; H. Schenk; A. F. W. Schimper; 33. edition,Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart-Jena-New York; 1991.

The sea plant material can be obtained in different ways. At first, itis harvested, whereby there are three different harvesting methods:

-   -   1. the sea plant material washed ashore is collected,    -   2. the sea plants are cut from stones, or    -   3. the sea plants are collected in the sea by divers.

The sea plant material obtained according to the third method has thebest quality and is rich in vitamins, minerals, minor elements andpolysaccharides. For the purpose of the present invention the sea plantmaterial harvested according to this method is preferably used.

The harvested material can be processed in different ways. The sea plantmaterial can be dried at temperatures of up to 450° C. and grounded byusing ultrasound, wet ball mills, pin-type mills or counterrotatingmills, whereby a powder is obtained, which may, if required, still besubjected to cycloning for the classifying thereof. A so obtained powdermay be used according to the invention.

Said sea plant material powder may, in addition, be subjected to anextraction method, for instance, with vapor, water or an alcohol such asethanol, whereby a liquid extract is obtained. Said extract may likewisebe used according to the invention.

The harvested sea plant material can moreover be subjected to acryocomminution, whereby it is comminuted into particles ofapproximately 100 μm at −50° C. If desired, the so obtained material mayadditionally be comminuted, whereby particles having a size ofapproximately 6 to approximately 10 μm are obtained.

The material from the outer shell of sea animals is preferably selectedout of sea sediments, grounded shells of crabs or mussels, lobsters,crustaceans, shrimps, corals.

A typical composition of a mixture of natural origin is shown intable 1. TABLE 1 Components (%) Vitamins 0.2% Proteins 5.7% Fats 2.6%Humidity 10.7% Ash 15.4% Carbohydrates 65.6%

Minerals of a mixture of natural origin according to table 1 are shownin table 2.1. TABLE 2.1 Concentration ELEMENT [mg/kg] Sodium 41,800Magnesium 2,130 Calcium 19,000 Manganese 1,235 Phosphor 2,110 Mercury 2Fluorine 326 Iron 895 Nickel 35 Copper 6 Chlorine 36,800 Iodine 624 Lead<1 Zinc 35 Aluminum 1,930 Sulfur 15,640 Molybdenum 16 Cobalt 12 Tin <1Boron 194 Strontium 749

Minerals of a mixture (humidity 94%, ignition residue 90%) of naturalorigin are shown in table 2.2. TABLE 2.2 Concentration ELEMENT [mg/kg]Sodium 5,100 Magnesium 24,000 Calcium 350,000 Manganese 125 Phosphor 800Mercury <0.3 Fluorine 200 Iron 2,040 Nickel 14 Copper 10 Chlorine 1,880Iodine 181 Lead 460 Zinc 37 Aluminum <5 Sulfur 4,500 Molybdenum 39Cobalt 6 Tin <5 Boron 17

The material from sea animal shells can, in the case of sea sediments,be used directly. If materials from the shells of crabs or mussels,lobsters, crustaceans, shrimps are used, the same is grounded.

Mixtures from sea plant materials and shells of sea animals as well asthe extracted products thereof may likewise be used. The quantitativecomposition of sea plant materials and the shells of sea animals ispreferably 50 weight-% to 50 weight-%. Sea plant materials arepreferably used according to the invention.

The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals may be presentin the polymer composition and the molded article produced therefrom inan amount of 0.1 to 30 weight-%, preferably 0.1 to 15 weight-%, morepreferably 1 to 8 weight-%, especially 1 to 4 weight-%, based on theweight of the biologically degradable polymer. Especially if the moldedarticle is present in the form of a fiber, the amount of material fromsea plants and/or shells of sea animals is preferably 0.1 to 15weight-%, especially 1 to 5 weight-%.

An example for a material from sea plants used according to theinvention is a powder from Ascophyllum nodosum having a particle size of95%<40 μm, which contains 5.7 weight-% protein, 2.6 weight-% fat, 7.0weight-% fibrous components, 10.7 weight-% humidity, 15.4 weight-% ashand 58.6 weight-% carbohydrates. It moreover contains vitamins and minorelements such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, carotene, barium, niacin,vitamin K, riboflavin, nickel, vanadium, thiamin, folic acid, folinicacid, biotin and vitamin B₁₂. In addition, it contains amino acids suchas alanine, arginine, asparagic acid, glutamic acid, glycin, leucine,lysine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, valine and methionine.

According to another embodiment the polymer composition comprises abiologically degradable polymer and at least two components selectedfrom the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof,proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The components may be ofsynthetic nature or of a natural origin. Said components may be used ina dried form or with a humidity, which preferably ranges between 5 and15%.

In a preferred embodiment the polymer composition comprises abiologically degradable polymer and at least three components,especially preferably at least four components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions.

The polymer composition comprises especially preferably a biologicallydegradable polymer and at least two components selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof and amino acids.

The at least two components selected from the group consisting ofsaccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitaminsand metal ions may be present in the polymer composition and the moldedarticle produced therefrom in an amount of 0.1 to 30 weight-%,preferably 0.1 to 15 weight-%, especially in an amount of 4 to 10weight-%, based on the weight of the biologically degradable polymer.

The saccharides may be used in amounts of 0.05 to 9 weight-%, preferablyin amounts of 2 to 6 weight-%, the vitamins in amounts of 0.00007 to0.04 weight-%, preferably in amounts of 0.003 to 0.03 weight-%, theproteins and/or amino acids in amounts of 0.005 to 4 weight-%,preferably in amounts of 0.2 to 0.7 weight-%, and the metal ions and thecounterions thereof in amounts of 0.01 to 9 weight-%, preferably inamounts of 0.5 to 1.6 weight-%, based on the weight of the biologicallydegradable polymer.

The biologically degradable polymer is preferably selected from the samegroup as in the preceding embodiment.

The saccharides or the derivatives thereof used may be selected from thegroup consisting of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides andpolysaccharides. Mixtures containing alginic acid, laminarin, mannitoland methylpentosanes are preferably used.

The used proteins contain preferably alanine, arginine, asparagic acid,glutamic acid, glycin, leucine, lysine, serine, threonine, tyrosine,valine and methionine.

The amino acids are preferably the same ones contained in the proteinsas used. Furthermore, the used vitamins may be selected from the groupconsisting of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotene, niacin (vitamin B3),phytonadione (vitamin K), riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, folinic acid,biotin, retinol (vitamin A), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and cyanocobalamin(vitamin B₁₂).

The metal ions may be selected from the group consisting of aluminum,antimony, barium, boron, calcium, chromium, iron, germanium, gold,potassium, cobalt, copper, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese,molybdenum, sodium, rubidium, selenium, silicon, thallium, titan,vanadium, tungsten, zinc and tin.

The counterions of the metal ions may, for example, be fluoride,chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, phosphate, carbonate and sulfate.The amount of metal ions or, respectively, the pertinent counterions isadjusted such that, when the at least two components or, respectively,the polymer composition are ashed, an ash content in the range of 5-95%,preferably a range of 10-60% is formed.

For the purposes according to the invention particles of the materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at least twocomponents selected from the group consisting of saccharides and thederivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions inthe particle-size range of 200 to 400 μm, preferably of 150 to 300 μmmay be used. Smaller sized particles may also be used, such as at 1 to100 μm, preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 7 μm, especially1 to 5 μm (measuring method: laser diffraction apparatus: SympatecRhodos). Also grain size mixtures of a uniform material or,respectively, different algae material may be used.

In order to obtain the material from sea plants and/or shells of seaanimals or the at least two components in this fineness, the materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at least twocomponents may be grounded, for instance, with commercially availablepin-type mills, whereupon the fine fraction is then separated by meansof corresponding classifiers. Such a classifying process for toner forthe development of electrostatic pictures is described in DE 19803107,whereby a fine fraction is classified out of the product atapproximately 5 μm.

Given this process, however, only the fine fraction can be obtained, andthe main fraction is thereby not used in the polymer compositionaccording to the invention.

Another possibility to obtain the material from sea plants and/or shellsof sea animals or the at least two components in the required particlesize resides in disintegrating the material from sea plants and/orshells of sea animals or the at least two components by means of jetmills with static or rotating internal or external classifiers. Jetmills typically comprise a flat cylindrical mill chamber, around which aplurality of jet nozzles distributed about the periphery are arranged.The grinding is substantially based on a mutual exchange of kineticenergy. The disintegration achieved by particle impact is followed by aclassifying zone towards the center of the mill chamber, whereby thefine fraction is discharged by means of static or rotating internal orexternal classifiers. The coarse fraction remains in the milling spaceby means of centrifugal forces and is further grounded. A portion of thecomponents being hard to mill may be discharged from the milling spacethrough suitable apertures. Corresponding jet mills are described, forexample, in the U.S. Pat. No. 1,935,344, in EP 888818, EP 603602, DE3620440.

A typical particle size distribution is shown in FIG. 1.

The molded articles according to the invention can be produced from thepolymer composition according to the invention with conventionalmethods, whereby the biologically degradable polymer and the materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at least twocomponents, selected from the group consisting of saccharides and thederivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions areat first mixed to produce the polymer composition and the molded articlecan then be produced.

The continuous or discontinuous mixing of the biologically degradablepolymer and the material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals orthe at least two components, selected from the group consisting ofsaccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitaminsand metal ions can take place with apparatus and on the basis of methodsdescribed in WO 96/33221, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,810 and WO 96/33934.

The molded article according to the invention especially preferablyprovided in the form of fibers, most preferably in the form of cellulosefibers. The molded article according to the invention may also beprovided in the form of an endless filament, or membrane, or in the formof a hose or a flat film.

Methods of producing the cellulose fibers according to the inventionsuch as the lyocell or NMMO methods, the rayon or viscose methods or thecarbamate method are known.

The lyocell method may be performed according to the followingdescription. For producing a moldable mass and the cellulose fibersaccording to the invention a solution from cellulose, NMMNO and water isproduced by first forming a suspension from cellulose, NMMNO and water,whereby said suspension is continuously transported by rotating elementsover a heat exchange surface in a layer having a thickness of 1 to 20 mmand under a reduced pressure. During this process water is evaporateduntil a homogenous cellulose solution is formed. The so obtainedcellulose solutions may contain an amount of cellulose of 2 to 30weight-%, an amount of NMMNO of 68 to 82 weight-% and an amount of waterof 2 to 17 weight %. If desired, additives like anorganic salts,anorganic oxides, finely distributed organic substances or stabilizersmay be added to said solution.

The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the atleast two components, selected from the group consisting of saccharidesand the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metalions are then continuously or discontinuously added to the so obtainedcellulose solution in the form of powder, a powder suspension or in aliquid form, as extract or suspension.

In dependence on the method the material from sea plants and/or shellsof sea animals or the at least two components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions may also be added after or during thecontinuous disintegration of the dry cellulose, e.g. in the form ofalgae material in the original size, as powder or highly concentratedpowder suspension. The powder suspension can be produced in water or anyoptional solvent in the desired concentration required for the method.

Furthermore, it is possible to subject the material from sea plantsand/or shells of sea animals or the at least two components, selectedfrom the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof,proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions to a pulping process withsimultaneous disintegration, or to feed to a refiner. The pulping can becarried out either in water, in caustic solutions or in the solventrequired for dissolving the cellulose at a later stage. Here, too, thematerial from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at leasttwo components, selected from the group consisting of saccharides andthe derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ionsmay be added in a solid, powdery, suspension-like or in liquid form.

In the presence of a derivatization agent and/or a solvent known for thedissolving process the polymer composition enriched with the materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at least twocomponents, selected from the group consisting of saccharides and thederivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions canbe transferred into a moldable extrusion mass.

Another possibility of adding the material from sea plants and/or shellsof sea animals or the at least two components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions resides in the addition during acontinuously controlled dissolving process as is described in EP 356419,U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,690 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,567.

Alternatively, the addition may be carried out discontinuously byobtaining a master batch of the cellulose solution. Preferably thematerial from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the at leasttwo components, selected from the group consisting of saccharides andthe derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ionsis added continuously.

The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the atleast two components, selected from the group consisting of saccharidesand the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metalions may be added in any other stage of the production process for themolded article. It can, for instance, be fed into a pipeline system,where it is correspondingly mixed by static mixing elements or,respectively, stirring elements such as known inline refiners orhomogenizers, e.g. apparatus from Ultra Turrax, positioned therein. Ifthe process is carried out in the continuous batch operation, e.g. bymeans of a stirred vessel cascade, the algae material can be introducedin a solid, powdery, suspension-like or liquid form at the point whichis optimal for the process. The fine distribution can be achieved withknown stirring elements adjusted to the method.

In dependence on the applied particle size the formed incorporatedextrusion or spinning mass can be filtrated prior or after theincorporation. In response to the fineness of the applied product thefiltration may also be omitted in spinning methods using large nozzlediameters.

If the spinning masses are very sensitive, the material can, in a suitedform, directly be fed upstream of the spinning nozzle or the extrusiondie via an injection location.

If the algae material or the at least two components, selected from thegroup consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins,amino acids, vitamins and metal ions are liquid, it is additionallypossible to feed them to the continuously spun thread during thespinning process.

The so obtained cellulose solution is spun according to conventionalmethods such as the dry-jet-wet method, the wet-spinning method, themelt-blown method, the pot spinning method, the funnel spinning methodor the dry spinning method. When the spinning takes place according tothe dry-jet-wet spinning method, the yarn sheet can also be cooled inthe air gap between the nozzle and the coagulating bath by quenching. Anair gap of 10-50 mm has proved to be suitable. The parameters for thecooling air are preferably air temperatures of 5-35° C. with a relativehumidity of up to 100%. Patent documents U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,589,125 and5,939,000 as well as EP 0574870 B1 and WO 98/07911 describe spinningmethods for the production of cellulose fibers according to the NMMOmethod.

If required, the formed molded articles are subjected to theconventional subsequent chemical fiber treatment methods for filamentsor staple fibers.

Obtained is a cellulose fiber according to the invention with a materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or with at least twocomponents, selected from the group consisting of saccharides and thederivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions,preferably at least three components, especially preferably at leastfour components.

Apart from the spinning method also extrusion methods for the productionof flat films, round films, skins (sausage skins) and membranes can beused.

The viscose method can be carried through as follows. Pulp withapproximately 90 to 92 weight-% of α-cellulose is treated with aqueousNaOH. Afterwards the cellulose is transformed into cellulosexanthogenate by means of conversion with carbon disulfide, and a viscosesolution is obtained by adding aqueous NaOH under constant stirring.Said viscose solution contains approximately 6 weight-% cellulose, 6weight-% NaOH and 32 weight-% carbon disulfide, based on the cellulosecontent. After the suspension was stirred, the material from sea plantsand/or shells of sea animals or the at least two components, selectedfrom the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof,proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions are added either aspowder or liquid extract. If desired, common additives such assurfactants, dispersing agents or stabilizers can be added.

The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the atleast two components, selected from the group consisting of saccharidesand the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metalions can, again, be added at any stage of the process.

The so obtained solution is then spun to form fibers, as is, forinstance, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,097.

The carbamate method can be carried out as follows. For this purpose,cellulose carbamate is produced from pulp with approximately 90 to 95weight-% of α-cellulose, as is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.5,906,926 or in DE 19635707. Alkali cellulose is thereby produced fromthe applied pulp by treating it with aqueous NaOH. After the defibrationthe alkali cellulose is subjected to maturing and the caustic sodasolution is then washed out. The so activated cellulose is mixed withurea and water and is introduced into a solvent in a reactor. The soobtained mixture is heated. The obtained carbamate is separated and acarbamate spinning solution is produced therefrom, which is described inDE 19757958. The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animalsor the at least two components, selected from the group consisting ofsaccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitaminsand metal ions are added to said spinning solution.

The so obtained spinning solution is spun to form fibers according toknown methods, and cellulose fibers according to the invention areobtained.

It has surprisingly been found that, despite the addition of anadditive, the cellulose fibers according to the invention show the sameexcellent properties as cellulose fibers without additives, namely inview of their fineness, breaking force, breaking force variation,elongation, wet elongation, breaking tenacity, wet tenacity,fineness-related loop strength, wet abrasion upon breakage, wet abrasionvariation and wet modulus, and have, at the same time, the positiveproperties conferred by the material from sea plants and/or shells ofsea animals or the at least two components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions. This is especially surprising, as theaddition of additives to spinning masses from cellulose, NMMNO and waterhas the drawback that the same discolor at the temperature ofapplication, are not resistant to storage and incorporate impuritiesinto the final cellulose products.

Furthermore, it could surprisingly be proved that the ionic componentsincorporated with the material remain in the fiber compound even whensubjected to a forming method with an aqueous bath liquid, and do notescape into the spinning bath during the short spinning period.

After the spinning process the pH-value of the produced staple fiber wasdetermined according to the DIN method 54 275. In comparison to a fibernot incorporated with sea plants and/or shells of sea animals thepH-value of the incorporated fiber increased, which indicates theextraction of ionic fiber components. By said property, in connectionwith the body humidity, the bioactivity of the skin can positively andhealthfully be influenced when articles of clothing are worn.

Moreover, it has shown that by the addition of the material from seaplants and/or shells of sea animals or the at least two components,selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivativesthereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions, thefibrillation of the fibers, produced according to the lyocell method, isreduced. Thus, the fiber according to the invention, e.g. a cellulosefiber incorporated with algae, can be applied in a more favorable mannerduring the subsequent textile treatment of the fiber.

Despite the incorporation of a material from sea plants and/or shells ofsea animals or the at least two components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions, which is rich in iron and metalconcentrations if a sea plant is concerned, advantageously nodisintegration of a spinning solution from cellulose, NMMNO and water isobserved. It has, on the contrary, shown that the disintegrationtemperature of such a spinning solution even increased when materialfrom sea plants and/or shells of sea animals was added. This means thatdespite the presence of metal ions, no negative influence on thestability of the spinning mass could be observed.

By the incorporation of the material from sea plants and theincorporation of metals connected therewith, therefore, also chemicalreactions on the fiber material may be carried out, such as ion exchangeprocesses by the incorporated metal ions (e.g. increase of the hydrogenion concentration in the fibrous material) or the deacetylation ofchitin.

Another advantage conferred upon the molded articles according to theinvention by the addition of material from sea plants and/or shells ofsea animals or at least two components, selected from the groupconsisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, aminoacids, vitamins and metal ions is the homogenous incorporation of theactive substances into the fiber matrix with different produceable fiberdiameters. Moreover, the processing as monofilament or endless filamentyarn is feasible. This results in a particularly favorable applicationof technical articles.

Especially if the molded article according to the invention is producedfrom a polymer composition containing exclusively biologicallydegradable material, the complete biological degradability thereof is anadvantage.

The molded articles according to the invention may be used as packagingmaterial, fiber material, nonwoven fabrics, textile compounds, fibrouswebs, fiber fleeces, needlefelts, upholstery cotton wool, woven fabrics,knitted fabrics, as home textiles such as bed linen, as fillingmaterial, flocking fabric, hospital textiles such as sheets, diapers ormattresses, as fabrics for heating blankets, shoe inserts and dressings.Additional possibilities of using the same are described the Dictionaryfor textile interior design [Lexikon der textilen Raumausstattung], Buchund Medien Verlag Buurmann KG, ISBN 3-98047-440-2.

If a woven fabric is produced from the molded article according to theinvention in the form of fibers, it may either consist of said fibersexclusively or contain an additional component. Said additionalcomponent can be selected out of the group consisting of cotton wool,lyocell, rayon, carbacell, polyester, polyamide, cellulose acetate,acrylate, polypropylene or mixtures thereof. The fibers containing amaterial from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals are present in thewoven fabric preferably in an amount of up to approximately 70 weight-%.The material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or the atleast two components, selected from the group consisting of saccharidesand the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metalions are present in the woven fabric preferably in an amount of 1 to 10weight-%.

If the molded article is provided in the form of a fibrous material or awoven fabric, articles of clothing such as jumpers, jackets, dresses,suits, t-shirts, underwear or the like can be produced therefrom.

The articles of clothing produced from said fibers or woven fabricsaccording to the invention are extremely comfortable to wear and ingeneral improve the state of health of the individual wearing saidarticle of clothing. The health-improving effect of sea plant materialsis, for instance, described in JP 1228916.

Due to the high portion of negative ions in the material from sea plantsand/or shells of sea animals or the at least two components, selectedfrom the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof,proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions the pH-value of the skinis positively influenced in as far as it arranges for alkaline and thushealthy conditions on the skin. In addition, the skin temperature isincreased more when wearing the articles of clothing according to theinvention, in contrast to wearing an article of clothing made of fiberswithout the material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or theat least two components, selected from the group consisting ofsaccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitaminsand metal ions, whereby a positive effect is exerted on the bloodcirculation of the skin.

Due to the incorporated elements the fiber according to the inventionpasses the active substances on to the body, namely via the liquidpresent during the wearing in response to the body humidity. Due to thecellulosic material articles of clothing having good breathingproperties can thus be produced. Moreover, the active substances canpurposively be supplied to the skin, as is common in cosmetics orThalasso therapy. Due to the incorporation the active substances remainin the fiber or the woven fabric for a long time, even after frequentwashing.

The minor elements and the vitamins supplied via the woven fabric madeof the fibers according to the invention can support the body due to theremineralizing, stimulating and heating effect.

If the fiber according to the invention is provided in the form ofstaple fibers or disintegrated filaments, surfaces of carriers such aswoven fabrics or films can be flocked therewith. For this purpose thesurface of the carrier to be flocked is treated with an adhesive and thestaple fibers or disintegrated filaments are applied thereon.

The invention will hereinafter by explained by means of examples.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 (WITHOUT ADMIXTURE)

3,086 g NMMNO (59.8%), 308 g MoDo, DP 500, dry contents 94%, 1.8propylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulose contents) were mixed, andthe so obtained mixture was heated to 94° C. Obtained was adiscontinuously produced spinning solution having a cellulose content of11.8% and a viscosity of 4,765 Pa·s. The so obtained spinning solutionwas spun to form fibers, whereby the following spinning conditions wereobserved: Temperature of the store tank = 90° C. Temperature spinningblock, nozzle = 80° C. Spinning bath = 4° C. Spinning bath concentration(start) = 0% (distilled water) Spinning bath concentration (end) = 5%NMMNO Spinning pump = 20.0 cm³/min. Nozzle filter = 19200 M/cm² Spinningnozzle = 495 Hole 70 μm; Au/Pt Final drawing-off = 25 m/min.

The fibers were cut to a staple length of 40 mm, were washed free of asolvent and finished with a 10 g/l lubrication (50% Leomin OR-50% LeominWG (nitrogen-containing fatty acid polyglycol ester Clariant GmbH)) at45° C. or, respectively, the fat add-on for the better continuedprocessing of the fibers was applied, and dried at 105° C. Subsequent tothe drying a fiber humidity of 11% was adjusted. An additional bleachingprocess prior to the drying was not performed in this case.

The spinning behavior of the spinning solution obtained according thepresent example was good. TABLE 3 Fiber data comparative example 1Comparative Example 1 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.48 Breaking tenacity dry[cN/tex] 42.20 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 36.30 Breaking tenacityloop [cN/tex] 15.20 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 15.50 Breakingelongation - wet [%] 15.20 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 202.00

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 (WITHOUT ADMIXTURE: TREATMENT OF THE FILAMENTS INTHE AIR)

The spinning solution was produced analogously to comparative example 1.The spinning solution was spun to fibers, whereby, in deviation fromcomparative example 1, the temperature of the spinning block wasadjusted to 95° C. and the temperature of the nozzle to 105° C. In theair gap between the nozzle and the coagulating bath the yarn sheet wasquenched with humid air (temperature: 20° C., humidity: 70%).

Otherwise, the test performance was carried out like in comparativeexample 1. TABLE 4 Fiber data comparative example 2 Comparative Example2 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.25 Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex] 45.10Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 37.10 Breaking tenacity loop [cN/tex]22.10 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 15.40 Breaking elongation - wet [%]18.50 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 234.00

EXAMPLE 1

3,156 g NMMNO (61.4%), 315 g MoDo, DP 500, dry contents 94%, 1.9 gpropylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulose content) as well as 11.6 gof a powder—shown in table 1—(in total 3.9% related to the cellulosecontent) were mixed and heated to 94° C. Obtained was a spinningsolution having a solids content of 12.4% and a viscosity of 6,424 Pa·s.The so produced spinning solution was spun to fibers like in comparativeexample 1, TABLE 5 Fiber data example 1 Example 1 Fineness - Titer[dtex] 1.40 Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex] 38.60 Breaking tenacity wet[cN/tex] 30.70 Breaking tenacity loop [cN/tex] 11.40 Breakingelongation - dry [%] 12.40 Breaking elongation - wet [%] 13.00 Wetmodulus [cN/tex] 199.00

EXAMPLE 2

Analogously to example 1,2.951 g NMMNO (60.84%), 305 g MoDo, DP 500, drycontents 94%, 1.8 g propylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulosecontent) as well as 17.5 g of the mixture used in table 1—(in total 6.1%related to the cellulose content) were mixed and heated to 94° C.Obtained was a spinning solution having a solids content of 12.9% and aviscosity of 7.801 Pa·s. The so produced spinning solution was spun tofibers like in comparative example 1. TABLE 6 Fiber data example 2Example 2 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.48 Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex]36.60 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 32.40 Breaking tenacity loop[cN/tex] 13.30 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 12.10 Breaking elongation -wet [%] 13.50 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 188.00

EXAMPLE 3

Analogously to example 1,2,750 g NMMNO (60.3%), 305 g MoDo, DP 500, drycontents 94%, 1.7 g propylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulosecontent) as well as 11.2 g of a powder—shown in table 2.2—(in total 4.1%related to the cellulose content) were mixed and heated to 94° C.Obtained was a spinning solution having a solids content of 13% and aviscosity of 6.352 Pa·s. The so produced spinning solution was spun tofibers like in comparative example 1. TABLE 7 Fiber data example 3Example 3 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.41 Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex]33.40 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 29.20 Breaking tenacity loop[cN/tex] 9.00 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 12.60 Breaking elongation -wet [%] 8.60 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 182.00

EXAMPLE 4

Analogously to example 3, 3,345 g NMMNO (59.5%), 318 g MoDo, DP 500, drycontents 94%, 1.9 g propylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulosecontent) as well as 23.6 g of a mixture similar to the one used in table3 (in total 7.9% related to the cellulose content) were mixed and heatedto 94° C. The mixture used in this example differs from the one used inexample 3 above all by a higher potassium content and a lower calciumcontent (˜12.6% to ˜35%). Obtained was a spinning solution having asolids content of 12.4% and a viscosity of 7.218 Pa·s. The so producedspinning solution was spun to fibers like in comparative example 1.TABLE 8 Fiber data example 4 Example 4 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.42Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex] 41.40 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex]32.90 Breaking tenacity loop [cN/tex] 8.30 Breaking elongation - dry [%]11.90 Breaking elongation - wet [%] 12.00 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 212.00

EXAMPLE 5

3,204 g NMMNO (59.5%), 318 g MoDo, DP 500, dry contents 94.4%. 1.9 gpropylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulose content) and 25.4 g brownalgae (8.5% related to the cellulose content) of the type Laminaria weremixed, and the so obtained mixture was heated to 94° C. Obtained was adiscontinuously produced spinning solution having a cellulose content of13.24% and a viscosity of 6.565 Pa·s. The so obtained spinning solutionwas spun to fibers, whereby the following spinning conditions wereobserved: Temperature of the store tank = 90° C. Temperature spinningblock, nozzle = 80° C. Spinning bath = 4° C. Spinning bath concentration(start) = 0% (distilled water) Spinning bath concentration (end) = 7%NMMNO Spinning pump = 20.0 cm³/min. Nozzle filter = 19200 M/cm² Spinningnozzle = 495 Hole 70 μm; Au/Pt Final drawing-off = 30 m/min.

The fibers were cut to a staple length of 40 mm, were washed free of asolvent and finished with a 10 g/l lubrication (50% Leomin OR-50% LeominWG (nitrogen-containing fatty acid polyglycol ester Clariant GmbH)) at45° C. or, respectively, the fat add-on for the better continuedprocessing of the fibers was applied, and dried at 105° C. Subsequent tothe drying a fiber humidity of 10% was adjusted. An additional bleachingprocess prior to the drying was not performed in this case.

The spinning behavior of the spinning solution obtained according thepresent example was good.

The following table 9 shows the physical properties of the so obtainedcellulose fibers. TABLE 9 Fineness [dtex] 1.42 Breaking force [cN] 5.85Breaking force variation [%] 15.8 Elongation [%] 11.9 Wet elongation [%]12.0 Breaking tenacity [cN/tex] 41.4 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 32.9Loop breaking tenacity [cN/tex] 8.3 Wet abrasion upon breakage [turns]10 Wet abrasion variation [%] 19.7 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 212

The elementary analyses of the applied material from sea plants, brownalgae Laminaria digitata and the fiber sample with incorporated brownalgae is shown in the following table 10. TABLE 10 Brown Fiber samplewith incorpo- algae rated brown algae material Analyses [mg/kg] materialLaminaria digitata Sodium 28,300 460 Magnesium 51,300 3,400 Calcium126,000 8,100 Chromium 850 50 Manganese 670 55 Iron 32,600 2,000 Nickel210 20 Copper 30 8 Molybdenum <5 <5 Cobalt 19 <5

FIG. 2 moreover shows that a spinning solution with 8.5% Laminariadigitata is stable over thermal disintegration up to approximately 200°C.

EXAMPLE 6

3,687 g NMMNO (62%), 381 g MoDo, DP 500, dry contents 94.4%, 2.27 gpropylgallate (0.63% related to the cellulose content) and 3.6 g brownalgae flour Laminaria digitata (1% related to the cellulose content)were mixed and heated to 94° C. Obtained was a spinning solution havinga cellulose content of 12.78% and a viscosity of 8.424 Pa·s. The soproduced spinning solution was spun to fibers like in comparativeexample 1.

The physical properties of the so obtained cellulose fibers are shown inthe following table 11. Fineness [dtex] 1.40 Breaking force [cN] 6.10Breaking force variation [%] 21.8 Elongation [%] 13.0 Wet elongation [%]12.7 Breaking tenacity [cN/tex] 42.4 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 37.7Loop breaking tenacity [cN/tex] 8.81 Wet abrasion upon breakage [turns]14 Wet abrasion variation [%] 34.7 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 254

The so obtained fibers were spun to a yarn. The spinning was carried outunder the conditions 63% relative air humidity and 20° C. by means ofcarding, stretching and spinning with a rotor spinning machine, to form75 g of yarn with approximately 20 tex. FIG. 3 shows that the spinningsolution with 1% Laminaria digitata, related to the cellulose content,is stable up to a temperature of approximately 200° C.

EXAMPLE 7

A cellulose xanthogenate was produced from a mixture of 33 weight-%cellulose, 17 weight-% caustic soda solution and 50 weight-% water byadding 32% carbon disulfide related to cellulose. Thereafter thexanthogenate was transferred by stirring for 2 hours, with the additionof diluted caustic soda solution, into a spinning solution with 6weight-% cellulose, 6 weight-% NaOH and substantially water and reactionproducts resulting from the xanthate production. To the so obtainedviscose solution 0.9 weight-% of brown algae material were added to thespinning solution. The viscose solution was allowed to stand forapproximately 6 hours under a vacuum for degassing and thereuponfiltrated. The so obtained viscose solution had a maturity level of 100Hottenroth and was spun to fibers.

The spinning conditions were: Nozzle [n/μm] 1,053/60 Hole throughput[g/hole/min.] 0.07 Temperature of coagulating bath [° C.]. 30 Sulfuricacid in the coagulating bath [%] 10.8 Sodium sulfate in the coagulatingbath [%] 20.0 Zinc sulfate in the coagulating bath [%] 1.5 Drawing-offspeed [m/min.] 36

The physical properties of the so obtained rayon fibers are shown in thefollowing table 12. TABLE 12 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.7 Breakingtenacity dry [cN/tex] 21.7 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 12.4Fineness-related loop strength [cN/tex] 6.0 Breaking elongation - dry[%] 14.2 Breaking elongation - wet [%] 15.8 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 2.9

EXAMPLE 8

Rayon fibers were produced in accordance with example 7, except for thefact that 0.1 weight-% of brown algae material instead of 0.9 weight-%were added to the spinning solution.

The physical properties of the so obtained viscose or rayon fibers areshown in table 13. TABLE 13 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.7 Breakingtenacity dry [cN/tex] 23.7 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 14.1 Loopstrength [cN/tex] 6.5 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 16.9 Breakingelongation - wet [%] 18.5 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 3.0

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3

As comparison, a viscose fiber was produced in accordance with example7, except for the fact that no brown algae material was added.

The physical properties of said viscose fiber are shown in table 14.TABLE 14 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 1.7 Breaking tenacity dry [cN/tex] 24.8Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 14.2 Loop strength [cN/tex] 6.4 Breakingelongation - dry [%] 17.2 Breaking elongation - wet [%] 21.1 Wet modulus[cN/tex] 2.9

EXAMPLE 9

For the production of cellulose carbamate an alkali cellulose was firstproduced from a chemical pulp with 92-95% alpha-content (Ketchikan). Thecaustic soda solution was washed out of the matured alkali cellulose (35weight-% cell; 15 weight-% NaOH; 50 weight-% water) with water. Aftersqueezing out the so activated cellulose (70 weight-% water) 10 kg ofthe squeezed out activated cellulose were mixed with urea (1.5 kg) in akneader. The urea is thereby separated in the water contained in thecellulose and is evenly distributed in the cellulose. Said cellulosepulp was transferred into a reactor equipped with stirrer and refluxcooler, into which o-xylol (30 kg) had been fed. The contents in thereactor was then heated for approximately 2 hours at 145° C. andfiltered off.

The so obtained residue was passed back into the reactor, into whichapproximately 25 kg water had been fed. The xylol still adhering to thecarbamate was stripped off at 88° C. After the filtration the carbamatewas washed out with hot water (50° C.) and with cold water. Thereafterthe carabamate was squeezed out.

3.45 kg Stark-solution were produced from 1.02 kg of said carbamate with1.1 kg caustic soda solution (30 weight-%), 1.30 kg water and with thecorresponding amount of brown algae (0.03 kg). All reactants werepre-cooled. The reaction itself took place at a temperature of 0° C.(Composition of the Stark-lye: 11.0 weight-% cell, 9.5 weight-% NaOH).

A spinning mass (5 kg) was produced from the cooled Stark-solution byadding 1.55 kg cooled caustic soda solution (3.03 weight-%) at atemperature of 0° C. The cooled spinning mass was filtrated through afilter with degrees of fineness of 10-40 μm and was spun.

The following spinning conditions were observed: Nozzle [n/μm] 36/60Hole throughput [g/hole/min.] 0.11 Temperature of coagulating bath [°C.] 35 Sulfuric acid in the coagulating bath [%] 90 Sodium sulfate inthe coagulating bath [%] 140 Drawing-off speed [m/min.] 30

The physical properties of the so obtained CARBACELL® fibers are shownin table 15. TABLE 15 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 3.1 Breaking tenacity dry[cN/tex] 14.8 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 5.7 Loop strength [cN/tex]7.5 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 4.0 Breaking elongation - wet [%] 4.7Wet modulus [cN/tex] 100

EXAMPLE 10

CARBACELL® fibers were produced in accordance with example 9, except forthe fact that 0.1 weight-% of brown algae flour instead of 0.6 weight-%were added to the spinning mass.

The physical properties of the so obtained CARBACELL® fibers are shownin the following table 16. Fineness - Titer [dtex] 3.3 Breaking tenacitydry [cN/tex] 17.8 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 5.8 Loop strength[cN/tex] 7.5 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 4.6 Breaking elongation - wet[%] 5.4 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 129

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4

CARBACELL® fibers were produced in accordance with example 9, except forthe fact that no brown algae flour was added.

The physical properties of the so obtained fibers are shown in thefollowing table 17. TABLE 17 Fineness - Titer [dtex] 3.1 Breakingtenacity dry [cN/tex] 18.0 Breaking tenacity wet [cN/tex] 5.8 Loopstrength [cN/tex] 7.9 Breaking elongation - dry [%] 4.7 Breakingelongation - wet [%] 5.5 Wet modulus [cN/tex] 135

EXAMPLES 11 TO 15

Lyocell cellulose fibers were continuously produced in accordance withexample 5, whereby the respective amounts, the conditions of thecontinuously performed process and the physical properties of theobtained fibers are shown in the following table 18. TABLE 18 ExampleExample Example Example Example Pulp Unit 11 12 13 14 15 Type AlicellModo Alicell Alicell Alicell VLV Drown VLF VLV VLV Dissolving DP Pulp540 530 540 540 540 Feed hole kg/h 161.8 161.8 173.0 167.2 161.7Cellulose %. 13.0% 13.0% 12.0% 12.5% 13.0% Water % 10.7% 10.7% 11.3%11.0% 10.7% NMMO % 76.3% 76.3% 76.7% 76.5% 76.3% Solution flow kg/h138.5 138.5 150.0 144.0 138.5 Vapor kg/h 23.3 23.3 23.0 23.2 23.3condensate System pressure mbar 55 55 55 55 55 abs. Spinning temp. ° C.117 110 72 80 117 Fiber draft 10.9 10.9 4.3 10.5 11.81 Titer dtex 1.31.3 1.3 1.3 1.18 Air gap height mm 20 20 7 12 20 Air quantity Nm³/h 130130 130 180 135 Air temperature ° C. 17.5 18.5 17.2 17.9 19 Holethroughput g/hole 0.030 0.060 0.028 0.134 0.028 min Hole diameter μ 100100 65 100 100 Brown algae g/h 181.9 182.3 1528.0 1531.8 2704.0 powderAmount Coagulating bath ° C. 20 20 6 6 20 temperature Spinning bath % 2020 20 20 20 concentration NMMO Final drawing-off m/min 35 70 30 150 35Titer dtex 1.40 1.42 1.38 1.40 1.21 Strength dry cn/tex 42.1 41.4 41.842.4 41 Elongation dry % 12.8 11.9 13.0 13.2 13.8 Wet strength cn/tex32.9 34.8 37.7 37.7 33.4 Wet elongation % 12.0 12.3 12.7 12.0 12.8 Loopstrength cn/tex 15.4 13 8.3 8.9 13.8 Wet modulus cn/tex 238 254 212 212242

EXAMPLE 16

Based on the fibers produced in accordance with comparative example 1and 2 and in accordance with examples 1 to 4 cryo-breaks in liquidnitrogen were produced, whereof photographs were taken by means of afield emission electron-scanning microscope (Joel 6330 F) after thefibers had been sputtered with platinum.

The fiber produced according to comparative example 1 or 2 according tothe standard process shows a splinted break. The fibrillary structurecan clearly be recognized on the broken surface. The strong orientationof the fibrilla can be seen on the standing out longitudinal ridges andon the strongly fissured structure along the longitudinal axis.

The photographs of the fibers from examples 1 to 4 show somethingcompletely different. The partly blunt and clean broken surfaces canclearly be recognized. Moreover, it can be recognized that the distincthigh longitudinal orientation in the fiber according to comparativeexample 1 is much less distinct in examples 1 to 4.

On the basis of the electron-scanning microscope photographs strikingdifferences in the structure of the fiber were detected.

Above all, the strongly repressed longitudinal orientation shows thatthe use according to the invention of material from sea plants and/orshells of sea animals or of at least two components selected from thegroup consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins,amino acids, vitamins and metal ions results in a smaller fibrillationof the fibers during the production of cellulose fibers.

It had been especially interesting and unexpected that mixtures withdifferent substances contained therein show said effect, as allpreviously known defibrillation agents are cross-linking agents. Thesmaller fibrillation is presumably due to a change of thecrystallization properties of the cellulose during the extrusion.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method of preparing a polymer compositioncomprising: dissolving a biologically degradable polymer selected fromthe group consisting of cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, nitrate cellulose, copper cellulose, viscose xanthogenate,cellulose carbamate and mixtures thereof; and enriching the dissolvedbiologically degradable polymer with a sea plant material, shells of seaanimals, or both to produce a polymer composition.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 26, wherein the sea plant material comprises at leastone of algae, kelp, seaweed and mixtures thereof.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 27, wherein the sea plant material comprises at leastone of brown algae, green algae, red algae, blue algae and mixturesthereof.
 29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the material fromthe shells of sea animals comprises at least one of sea sediments andgrounded shells of shrimps, crabs, lobsters, crawfish, crustaceans andmussels and mixtures thereof.
 30. The method according to claim 26,wherein the sea plant material, shells of sea animals or both isprovided in an amount of 0.1 to 30 weight-% based on the weight of thebiologically degradable polymer.
 31. The method according to claim 26,wherein the biologically degradable polymer comprises cellulose and thesea plant material comprises algae.
 32. The method according to claim26, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least a portion of amolded article.
 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the moldedarticle comprises at least a portion of a woven fabric.
 34. The methodaccording to claim 32, wherein the molded article comprises at least aportion of a nonwoven fabric.
 35. The method according to claim 32,wherein the molded article comprises at least a portion of an article ofclothing.
 36. The method according to claim 32, wherein the moldedarticle is selected from the group consisting of tanks, films,membranes, woven fabrics and fibers.
 37. The method according to claim36, wherein the fibers include at least one of staple fibers,monofilaments or endless filaments.
 38. The method according to claim32, wherein the molded article comprises at least a portion of apackaging material.
 39. The method according to claim 32, wherein themolded article comprises at least a portion of yarn.
 40. The methodaccording to claim 33, wherein the woven fabric further comprises acomponent selected from the group consisting of cotton wool, lyocell,rayon, carbacell, polyester, polyamide, cellulose acetate, acrylate,polypropylene, or mixtures thereof.
 41. The method according to claim40, wherein the woven fabric comprises 0.1 to 30% by wt. of theadditional component.
 42. The method according to claim 34, wherein thenonwoven fabric further comprises a component selected from the groupconsisting of cotton wool, lyocell, rayon, Carbacell, polyester,polyamide, cellulose acetate, acrylate, polypropylene, or mixturesthereof.
 43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the nonwovenfabric comprises 0.1 to 30% by wt. of the additional component.